My favorite character is Mitsurugi. I always loved that lone swordsman concept. Since Soul Blade, I really dig his fighting style and war cries. Everything about him is pretty hard core and cool. According to his story, he's fought every battle and had never lost, except to Tanegashima in Soul Blade. Plus in most or every movie scene, Mitsurugi is always depicted fighting multiple characters, which says allot about him as a great warrior. My favorite scene is when the dude ran up to a boat load of riflemen and archers and he took them with his sword. I may have mentioned all this in a different thread, but sharing it here seems more appropriate.
Playing as Mitsurugi, it's easy to learn especially as a first timer, and though his moves may be few in comparison, and quite predictable, it helps me to fight smarter rather than rely too much on speed and power, instead being more versatile. and making creative use of basics that can help turn the tides of any battle. As a constant Mitsurugi player, I pretty much know all his moves like the back of my hand. Not to say I'm a pro with him, not at all to be honest. But I'm fairly decent in putting up a good fight.
I have to say Kilik is also a versatile fighter, I've tried my hands playing as him, but I just feel more at home with the samurai style of fighting. Mistsu is like glove that fits me. ^^